Creating Your Outline
Dr. Karen Palmer

Usually when we think of argument, we think of fighting–two people having a disagreement, which can often get heated. This is a typical Western view of argument. However, as we all know, these kinds of argument are not usually effective. In fact, they usually end with hurt feelings and no resolution because the aim of both parties is just to get their own way—to win the fight. These types of arguments don’t lead us to consider other points of view, look critically at our own thinking, or learn anything new.
What is Argument?
In academic writing, especially at the college level, students are expected to not only understand ideas, but to create their own arguments. In academic terms, an argument is simply an assertion of your point of view. Speeches, parades, art, the choices you make in the voting booth, even where you spend your money are all examples of these types of arguments.
Academic argument is different from our typical conception of arguments in several ways. First, its purpose is not to win, but to offer others the opportunity to consider our point of view. Academic arguments give reasons, support positions, and show respect for the audience. Obviously, these types of arguments require more thought!
Normally positions are stated about controversial issues, issues about which people have strong feelings and sometimes disagree vehemently: practice, the best way to achieve goals, fundamental values and beliefs. A controversy is not simply a scandalous topic or one in which there are clearly defined ‘sides.’ A controversial topic is one in which there is no obvious right answer, no truth that everyone accepts, no single authority whom everyone trusts. Finding the facts will not settle these disputes because, ultimately, they are matters of opinion and judgment.
While your goal is not to “win” an argument, it is possible to convince others to consider a particular position seriously or to accept or reject a position by giving readers strong reasons and solid support while anticipating opposing arguments.
Proposals
A proposal is one type of argument, and it’s one that is important to understand. Some proposals happen every day–like proposing a restaurant for lunch. Others have lifelong impacts–like a marriage proposal. In the academic world, you might need to propose a research project. In the business world, proposals are vital as businesses create proposals for potential clients.
While the following video is focusing on how to create a proposal for a business, the tips given in the video are applicable to many situations in which a proposal is needed. More importantly, it demonstrates the importance of knowing how to write a proposal.
Proposals are vital to our lives. They give us an effective way to address the problems affecting us every day. Over the past several weeks, you have been writing about a non-profit organization that you care about. Your organization is addressing a problem in your community, and this paper is an opportunity to help them do something to solve that problem by sharing with others who they are and what they do. Just as a non-profit might write a proposal for a grant or to request funding, your argument paper is a sort of proposal to your readers to support this organization in its mission.
Writing a solid proposal requires a critical questioning attitude. To solve a problem, you need to see it anew, to look at it from new perspectives and in new contexts. A proposal tries to convince readers that its way of analyzing and creatively solving the problem makes sense. The writer must be sensitive to reader’s needs and different perspectives.
Components of a Proposal
A proposal includes the following elements:
- Introducing the problem: Whether you are reminding your readers of a problem that they are well aware of or illuminating a problem they may not know exists, you should provide a clear description of the problem. You must both show that the problem exists and that it is worthy of attention. For example, if you are writing about Habitat for Humanity, you want to show readers that there are people who desperately need this organization. Convince your readers that this is a problem that needs solving.
- Presenting the Proposed Solution: Your goal here is to convince readers that supporting the organization you’re discussing is the best way to solve the problem you’ve described. Give readers some background information about the organization and tell them about the organization’s mission.
- Arguing Directly for the Proposed Solution: Here your goal is to show readers both that the organization will effectively address the need/solve the problem, and that it’s workable for them to support the organization (cost-effective, feasible, and more promising than the alternatives). So, not only are you showing readers conclusively that this organization is solving the problem, you are showing them how they can become involved in that solution.
- Counterarguing: As you write your proposal, you should be continually aware of readers’ possible objections, questions, and ideas for alternative solutions. You may either accommodate these objections by modifying your own argument OR refute the objections. You may also want to acknowledge other solutions–this shows your knowledge of the situation and adds to your credibility.
Creating an Outline
At this point, you should have chosen a topic and completed research to learn more about the social problem and the non-profit organization you’ve chosen. By now, you should have a strong opinion about your non-profit and its ability to solve the social problem. That opinion is the starting point for your academic argument. Of course, before you begin writing a draft, you need a solid outline. Your outline should be based on the research you compiled, as well as your knowledge of the components of an argument and a proposal. The following template can be used to create your outline.
Thesis/Outline Template
- Introduction
- Hook
- Introduce the organization
- State your thesis–remember, your thesis must make an argument about your organization and the problem it solves.
- Background information
- History of organization–how and why it started
- Exploratory: Why is this organization important?
- Problem: What problem does the organization solve? Use facts, statistics, and stories to prove there is a problem.
- Statistics
- Cause of the problem
- Story
- Organization: What they Do
- Mission Statement
- What specifically are they doing to solve the problem?
- Proof the solution is working: Use facts, statistics, and stories to show how the organization you chose is solving the problem.
- Statistics
- Testimonies
- Legislation
- Changes that have been made
- Counterarguing– either address common concerns with your organization or with the problem OR acknowledge other organizations doing similar work and explain why you think yours is doing the best job
- Another organization for the same problem
- Recent controversies
- Acknowledge other solutions
- Tell readers how to support your organization and why they should do so
- Volunteer
- Donate Money
- Other
- Conclusion
- Restate the thesis
- Topic in general
- Circle around to the hook
Here is a sample outline completed in class with Dr. Palmer’s students:
Example Outline
Attribution:
Content created by Dr. Karen Palmer. Licensed under CC BY NC.